Authors: Janet Adeyeye
Chapter 7
I couldn't hide the fact that I was nervous. I could feel my heart banging against my chest like it'd pop out soon. I eyed the secretary at the desk opposite me for the third time and sighed. Looking at my watch again, I suddenly felt agitated. I just couldn't keep on waiting. I stood up swiftly from where I sat and marched over to the lady at the reception, David Duchovny's secretary.
"Can you put a call through to him again? Please?" I asked again, even though the lady had done so several times already.
"I already did. He is in a meeting right now. Please wait."
I banged my hands on her desk and walked back to my seat. Why was he taking so long? But I suddenly felt cold inside as she saw David Duchovny coming out of another office. I stood up almost immediately, wearing my best smile. The suit I wore matched my ebony skin and dark sunglasses. I held my purse tightly in my hand and then followed behind him until we finally disappeared into another room.
"So how may I help you?" David queried walking over to his desk. He was about to ask me if I wanted some coffee when I pulled my gun out from my purse and pointed it at him. He froze to his spot. "Kayla, what the hell are you doing?"
"Just shut up, okay? I need some money. I need it now."
"You don't need a gun for that."
"I said shut up and forward it to my account, dammit!" I blurted out agitated. I studied him for a moment as he pulled out his cell. "And don't try anything funny," I added
"Done! Now can you leave my office before I call security?"
"How much!"
"Check yourself."
"I said, how much?"
"$500,000. Is that enough?"
"No. No, I need 10 million."
"Kayla what trouble have you gotten into?"
"I said, shut up." I raised my voice. I wanted so bad to shoot him, but I didn't want to until he sent me some cash. I watched him key in some words into his mobile and then within a minute I got alert on my cell.
"Don't do anything stupid, Kayla."
"If my dad was still alive right now, do you think you'll be able to look him in the eyes?"
"Kayla, stop this foolishness right now! Look at you, your mom will be so mad at you."
"You betrayed my father, David. You were his lawyer and you betrayed him by selling yourself to the Morero clan. Why? Huh? Tell me, why?"
He swallowed hard. "I am a lawyer, Kayla. I didn't sell myself."
I scoffed. "Oh, please."
"What are you going to do?"
"Kill everyone that betrayed my father. Unfortunately, you're top of the list. It was a pleasure doing business with you, David." I shot him. Straight through his brains. His head fell into his desk lifeless in a second. I'd kept my gun on silent, so I knew no one heard the gun shot. And so almost immediately, I hurried out of the office. I didn't bother saying a word to his secretary but just continued walking away, straight to the front door and then out of the building. It might take a while for anyone to discover David dead, but by then I'd be long gone.
Chapter 8
Angel and I were down in the living room watching pool on the TV when Clifford and Matthew got back from the office. On a usual night, they just headed straight up to their room, but not today. Even their footsteps in the doorway signified that something was wrong. They came into the living room now, a fake smile on their faces.
"Good evening, family."
Angel slowly turned to look at Clifford. I guess I wasn't the only one who found it awkward that they came to the living room.
"Umm, Angel can we talk? Privately, please?"
"Something wrong?" Angel asked getting up.
"Yeah. It's about David."
"The lawyer?"
Clifford nodded, then gave a sign that it was private and they should leave. Angel nodded, and then they all left the living room to the study. I would have followed them, but I already knew what it was about, so what would be the use? He got what he deserved. LA should be grateful to me. Because thanks to me, it has one less of asshole. Clifford's voice kept going up then forms into a whisper in seconds.
"FUCK!" Angel thundered storming out of the room. I pretended I was still very much into what was airing on the television, but I sure as hell wasn't. There was a soft chatter in the background.
"Could you stop pacing?!" Clifford yelled. I looked back. When I couldn't see the corridor, I got up instead and walked towards their direction. They became mute as soon as I surfaced from the living room, all wearing a smile except Angel.
"Is everything alright?" I asked now stationing beside Angel. He grabbed me and kissed my forehead
"Yes, baby. Why don't you go upstairs for a minute. I'll meet you there."
"Are you sure? Because I heard you yelling."
"Business, Kayla," Clifford answered.
I nodded, then turned towards the stairs and left. I took out my phone immediately. I shut the door to the room and dialed my mom.
"Yes?"
"Mom, they already found David."
"Yeah, it's on the news."
"Really?" I hurried to the TV and turned it on. "What channel?"
"V-tex."
I quickly switched channels till I got to it, then sighed. Famous reporter Henry Myrtle was making the announcement. Henry worked for my dad when he was still alive. I can say amongst all those who worked for him, Henry was the only one who stayed back and didn't betray my father. When my father died, he was among the very few good employees the Moreroes tried buying, but he left. And now he works for V-tex. Such is life. I increased the TV volume a bit more
"It still amazes everyone. Mr. Duchovny had a meeting 3:05pm this afternoon and at 3:50pm, he was found dead. Shot in the head. All camera tapes of those who went into and or out of his office today are still under surveillance, but here is a shocker, Mr. Duchovny's office was the only office with no cameras. A reliable source tells us that Mr. Duchovny refused to be watched by a camera and so none were kept in his office. We are still not sure yet, but as it seems, everyone is a suspect," Henry announced. "Let's all observe a minute of silence in remembrance of a dear friend, brother, attorney, son, cousin, nephew, uncle and husband." He added, then went mute. I switched off the TV.
"Do you think they'll trace it to me?" I whispered into the phone.
"Oh no, and even if they do. They won't have a proof. You're married to Angel, remember? Use that to your advantage. I bet like hell he won't allow you go to jail."
"Oh, Mom."
"It's okay, sweetheart. Good news is I got our old friend Mr. Shipwreck a good offer in the shipping company today. He says he would think it over, but I bet it's a yes already."
"Mr. Shipwreck? Who's he?"
"Oh dear, does it matter? If he does say yes, which I have no doubt of, he'll be investing big time in the company, and then you get to become partner."
"Okay, Mom. But Angel is a bit agitated about the news. He didn't really take it well at all."
"Too bad then. That's what happens when you betray your family. David was like family you know. Such a waste."
"He sent me a $10,000,000."
"That's too small. Next time, go for $50,000,000."
"Mom, that's too much."
"No, it's not. We need to gather enough money for you know what. C'mon, trust me on this one, okay?"
Angel entered into the room now.
"Okay, mom. I will. I have to go now." I hung up, then turned to look at Angel as he shut the door. "Are you okay, baby?" I asked, moving close to him. I pulled him by the hand till he sat on the bed. He still had a frown on his face
"One of our lawyers at the shipping company was murdered this afternoon in his office."
"Wow. Really?" I said acting surprised. But I didn't want to keep talking about it so instead I started taking off Angel's shoes, then socks...slowly.
"Not now, Kayla... I"
"Shhh..." I came up now and bit his lips. My hands unzipped his shorts. I pushed him down now till he was lying on the bed then I sat atop him unbuttoning his shirt slowly. I brought my face closer to his now and kissed him passionately, then pulled away again. "What do you want?"
He looked at me captivated and too weak to fight it. "What can you do?" he replied.
"Everything," I answered with a wicked
snare
. I pulled down his pants, leaving only his shorts on. He was already hard. I smiled at him then slowly started kissing his chest, taking it down as slow as possible. I pulled his shorts down and grabbed his stuff tightly. He moaned. I opened my mouth and then had all of it in my mouth in seconds. He moaned again as I sucked, slowly at first, then faster and faster till he was calling my name. But still I didn't dare stop. I was totally in charge now and even though I wanted to make love to him, this was far better. Watching him surrender totally filled with desire for me turned me on. Then, I slowly got up and stood on my feet. Then I started taking my clothes off while he watched. Getting atop him again, I allowed him to enter into me. It was strong and swift. I screamed with excitement, then I started riding him hurriedly, like we were in a hurry to go somewhere. He moaned again. It was faint and deserted. I smiled, then came closer and kissed him. He grabbed me now and pushed me off him quickly till I was lying on the bed and then he came on top.
"I see you enjoy being in charge." I whispered into his ear as he fucked me. He chuckled, panting heavily at the same time. He was sweating profusely but still he kept on making love to me like a hungry lion. My nails dug into his back as he came inside me. I moaned again. And then after a minute, he withdrew himself and fell on the bed beside me panting.
"You bring out the best in me, you know that?" He shuttered weakly.
"Yeah, I know," I replied with a smile. We merely just laid there, staring into the ceiling, naked, enjoying the melody of each other's heartbeat.
"I love you, Angel." I finally let it out, following my heart. I turned to look at him, but he was already asleep. I smiled. "I really do love you," I said again, then hugged him. It was only a matter of time before I too slipped off.
Chapter 9
I woke up early the next day and quickly took up Elizabeth's breakfast. When I got to her room door, I stopped to knock even though she'd told me over a million times already not to. I knocked again when I got no reply, then waited. Still none. I slowly turned the door knob then the door opened up. I peeped inside now. The room was empty. I entered slowly looking around still
"Elizabeth? Are you in here?" I called out now then put the tray on a stool "Elizabeth?" I knew she stays indoors all day, so she couldn't possibly have left this time around. I walked over to her bathroom door now and knocked. "Elizabeth are you in there?" Still no answer. I opened the door. Then my eyes caught her lying lifeless in the bathroom bathtub. I screamed. In what seemed like a second, Angel came rushing into the room, and then Clifford and Matthew.
"Call the ambulance. Immediately!" Angel's voice echoed in the air. Clifford quickly grabbed the phone and started dialling. Angel pulled me into his embrace. "It's okay, baby. It's gonna be okay."
I was shaking. Seeing Elizabeth, that way was really a shocker, something I sure hadn't planned on seeing that morning. In no time, the ambulance arrived and some paramedics rushed in with a stretcher and carried Elizabeth into the ambulance.
"I'm going with them," I said hurrying after the paramedics.
"No. No wait. We'll go together, okay? Let them do their job. I am sure she's fine," Angel quickly said.
"Fine? Fine? Are you kidding? I am going with her," I said again then got into the ambulance with the paramedics.
"I'll meet you there in an hour," Angel yelled after us as the ambulance drove away. The paramedics already placed an oxygen tube over her nose. I held her hands, then said a silent prayer. "Don't die. Please don't," I said in a hush tone now. The drive to the hospital was a short one. The paramedics hurriedly wheeled her into the emergency room.
"You can't go in," one of the nurses said to me when I tried making my way through. I nodded then went back to the waiting room. I sat down at first, then got up again. I went to the cafeteria to get coffee, then hurried back again. Still no news from the doctors. It was over an hour already. Where is Angel? I kept pacing around, slowly sipping my coffee that was already going cold.
"Honey."
I turned around quickly and ran to hug Angel as he came in through the door.
"Any news?"
"None. Why are they not telling us anything? Is she alright?" I shuttered and was on the verge of crying
"She'll be okay, Kayla. Mom is a strong woman. She has been through a lot and scaled lots of challenges. She'll be fine. I promise."
"Morero family?"
"Yes, that's us," Angel quickly answered rushing to the doctor's side. "How is she?"
"In a coma. But she'll be fine. We'll keep her here for a couple of days. See how she reacts to the treatment."
"Can we at least see her?"
"Of course. But please, no noise."
Angel nodded then pulled me along into her ward. She looked dead to me, except that she was breathing through the support of the oxygen over her mouth. I walked closer to her bed and sat on the chair beside it.
"She'll be fine, babe."
"She doesn't look it," I said in the mist of tears. "What happened to her? Why is she this way?" I couldn't hold the tears back any longer. Angel raised me up and hugged me.
"I'm sorry," he said soberly.
"Promise me she'll be okay. Promise me."
"She will be," he replied patting my back gently. Then his phone started ringing. He took it out of his pocket and then sighed. "It's from work. I have to take this," he said releasing me. Then he went back outside, leaving me alone with Elizabeth. I just stood there staring at her. If she dies, mom will be the happiest woman in the world. I figured that should make me equally happy, but I wasn't even close to being happy. Believe it or not, I didn't want Elizabeth dead. And no I hadn't grown a soft spot for her, but for Angel. I knew how badly this would affect him if she dies and I wouldn't forgive myself ever if he sheds one tear. He came back now
"I have to go babe. Do you want me to drop you off?"
"But what about your mom?"
"The doctors will keep us informed if there are any changes. Besides she is in a coma, They won't allow anyone stay in her room for more than an hour. Let's go okay? We can come back."
I looked at her again, then back at Angel, then nodded. We both left in his car, neither of us saying another word till we got home and he dropped me off.
"Will you be alright?"
"No."
"What do you want then? I can't stay home with you. I'm sorry. We have an important client at the office waiting for me and I can't miss this."
"Then take me with you. Please."
Angel looked at me for a second to see if I really meant it. "You're not even dressed," he added.
"Give me five minutes." I hurried inside, then rushed upstairs to get dressed. I decided to wear a short black dress and a red shoe to match, then I kept on my wedding necklace and carried a red Chanel purse. Then I emerged from upstairs. Angel left his mouth ajar as he saw me, and a smile creeped across his face. I went to his side.
"So what do you think?" I asked looking at myself in the door mirror
"You look stunning," he said, and then pulled me in for a kiss. I threw my purse on the floor almost immediately then staggered back till my back hit the wall. We kept on kissing passionately.
"Don't go," I whispered into his ears as he was kissing my neck. Then he stopped and looked at me.
"I have to." He cursed between his teeth. "Let's go," he added then picked up my purse from the floor and walked out. I adjusted my dress and then hurried outside as well. As I settled in the passenger's seat at his side, I quickly started adjusting my makeup while looking into the side door mirror. I looked at him, then laughed.
"What? Why are you laughing?" he queried. His eyes fixed on the road. I just shook my head then went into my purse and took out some tissue. Then, I wiped his face off with it.
"You have lipstick all over your face," I finally said. Still smiling.
"Oh! You did that purposely. Didn't you?"
"I couldn't help it." I confessed truthfully then sat back on the chair.
Angel turned on the radio. They were still talking about the murder of David
.“
Such a mystery. David was such an upright man and lawyer
,
” someone said on the radio. I snorted then quickly changed the station.
"Do you know him?"
"Huh?"
"David. Do you know him? He was the one I told you was murdered at his office yesterday."
"He worked for my dad," I said.
"Yes, he was a good lawyer."
"Uh-huh..."
We didn't say another word again until we got to his office. That was the first time I'd be seeing the law firm, so maybe that explains why I left my mouth open when I saw how huge it was. Angel allowed me a minute to admire the beauty and then we hurried inside. He took me straight to his office, which was equally as big and beautiful.
"I'll leave you here okay? My client is waiting in the conference room. I should be back in an hour. You can order for breakfast if you want. My secretary is at your beck and call," Angel said while taking out some files from inside his file cabinet. He came close to me and kissed me on the forehead before finally heading outside again. I sat still for a moment thinking of what to do first. I got up and strolled over to the shelf at the corner. Law books. Law books. And more law books. I traced the books on the shelf with my fingers for a moment, then I went to his desk. I pulled the drawers on the file cabinet, but they were all locked. I sighed out of frustration, then started looking through the files on the desk. There was nothing important amongst them. I turned to his computer and switched it on. It booted for a while, then came on. And then the first thing that popped up was to enter password.
"Ah!" I forced myself up from his seat now then started pacing around. After what seemed like forever, Angel busted into the office
"We got it!" he announced, throwing me up.
"I'm starving," I cried weakly as he dropped me.
"What! I thought I told you to eat something. My goodness..."
"I couldn't without you," I said soberly.
Angel looked at me. "Okay, I'll take you out." He went over to his desk, then opened the cabinet again putting away the files.
"How did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Open the drawer? There are no key locks on it."
"It's automatically opens when I touch it. It has been programmed that way. And if by any chance I am being forced to open it, it'd detect it. It reads the mind, sort of."
"Oh."
"Yeah, let's go." He rushed again to my side then we walked out of his office, his arm over my shoulder. We kept on talking and laughing on our way to the lobby and he introduced me to every one of his employees. He took me out to a fancy Mexican restaurant, even though I'd insisted that he shouldn't. As we took our seat on a table, I just couldn't help myself from looking around.
"Just relax," he whispered with a smile.
I nodded then composed myself. A waitress brought us the menu, then stood beside us waiting on us to make our order. I took a quick glance at the menu then at Angel.
"Buenos dias. We'll have Papas con Rajas," Angel said then handed the menu to the lady.
"What did you just order?"
"You'll see."
I gave him a distant glare, then smiled. Few minutes later the waitress came back with our order,
"
Avez vous app
ré
c
i
é votre repas," she said in French, and then left
.
"What the hell did she just say?"
"
Enjoy your meal
. You really don't know anything about Mexico do you?"
I shook my head then grabbed my fork and ate part of the food. I munched on it for a while then nodded, "Hmm... delicious."
"I know. It was my dad's favorite. He came here a lot when he was still alive. To be honest, I haven't been here since he died."
"You really miss him, don't you?"
"All the time. Everything reminds me of him. You know, before I met you I always wanted to change things, anything that reminds me of him. But I threw all that away when you came into my life Kayla. I mean, what's the use fighting it? It'll always be a pain I'll bear for the rest of my life. But I want to share them with you," he said with his eyes fixed on mine. I didn't know what to say, or I was afraid I'd say the wrong thing and ruin everything. I wanted so badly to kiss him again.
"I want to kiss you. I always want to," I confessed.
He smiled now, then continued with his meal. I did too. We didn't say another word until we got back to his office.
"Should we leave now? I have the whole of today free," Angel said while putting together some files in his briefcase.
"Yeah, if you want to."
He looked up from what he was doing now and stared at me. I merely stood against the wall, hands folded across my chest. He walked up to me and pulled me into his embrace.
"Trust me, I want to kiss you too. I just can't."
"Why?"
"We're in the office, Kayla. People are going to hear us. And you know when we start, it's impossible to stop."
"I don't wanna stop," I said in more of a whisper now. He looked at me and sighed "Kiss me," I said. And so he did. A slow soft kiss on the lips like he was afraid he'd go too far if he did more than that. And then he stopped and buried his head in my shoulder.
"I can't...This has never happened before."